Money-operated entertainment machine

ABSTRACT

A money-operated entertainment machine is provided with a game device including a plurality of display components (5) which are illuminated according to specific payoffs. The entertainment machine is further provided with a computer-controlled unit for controlling the course of the game. In order to render the game interesting for spectators, the game device takes the form of a risk game device (1) which increases the stake or a portion or multiple thereof when there is a risk of losing. The risk game device (1) includes a risk --display column (3) which is placed on a stand (2) and includes a display scale (4) which is composed of superimposed display components (5).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A money-operated entertainment machine has a game device comprising aplurality of display elements that indicate individual wins and can beilluminated, and a computer-controlled control unit for controlling thecourse of the game.

Entertainment machines of this type are known in widely-varyingembodiments. For example, DE 36 38 100 A1 discloses a coin-operated,roulette-type game machine that indicates a win. The machine has aroulette wheel comprising number fields, on which a spinning ball can besimulated as a point of light, and a table provided with key fieldsrepresenting the numbers of the roulette wheel for selecting a winningnumber or group of winning numbers. Associated with the individualnumber fields are lamps that illuminate the number fields, in the formof a point of light, consecutively in the circumferential directionduring the indication of a win to simulate the action of a roulettegame. When the illumination of the roulette table ceases, as dictated bychance, one number field is illuminated, resulting in a win in the eventthat the number coincides with the associated, selected key field of thetable.

Game machines provided with a symbol game device are also known; thesetypically have three rotating bodies configured as rollers, disks orflip-card carousels. On the top side, which is visible from the outsidethrough viewing windows, the rotating bodies are provided with symbols.The rotating bodies are stopped consecutively and, after all of thebodies have come to a stop, the symbol combination displayed in theviewing windows indicates a win or loss. Instead of rotating bodies,light fields provided with symbols can also be used, with a rotatinglight point being associated with each field. In this case, the lightfields marked by the light points at the end of the game determine a winor loss.

Moreover, known entertainment machines that have a symbol game devicefrequently have a risk game device configured as an additional-win gamedevice, which can be actuated by keystrokes or computer control when awin has already been attained in the symbol game device. A risk scalewhose display elements indicate different winning values visuallyhighlights the attained win and the attainable win. A chance generatorprovided in the entertainment machine determines whether the win thathas already been attained will be lost or increased. If the win isincreased, it is displayed again as an attained win, and the win thatcan now be attained is visually highlighted again. If the chancegenerator decides that the win will be lost, a total-loss displayelement associated with the risk scale is illuminated, and a new gamecan begin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to make the game action moreinteresting in a game machine of the type mentioned at the outset, thusincreasing the player's entertainment and the appeal of the game througha greater variety of the game action.

In accordance with the invention, this object is accomplished in thatthe game device is configured as a risk game device that increases amonetary amount, or a portion or multiple thereof, when the risk of aloss exists.

This measure makes the game action considerably more interesting,because the player now has the option of increasing a current monetaryamount directly, step-by-step, when a monetary amount or analready-attained win is at risk of loss. The player is therefore nolonger instructed in entering the risk game through the attainment ofcertain symbol combinations in the symbol game device, as in the knownentertainment machines. The events occurring in the risk game thatbegins immediately after the actuation of the monetary amount make thegame tremendously appealing, and continuously increase the player'stension. The result is a fast-paced, exciting game that provideshigh-quality entertainment and variable chances of winning. If a portionor a multiple of the monetary amount is played, the potential win iscorrespondingly decreased or increased.

In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the riskgame device includes a risk-display column supported on a stand housingand comprising a display scale composed of display elements arranged oneon top of the other. This allows, on the one hand, a simple relocationof the entertainment machine and, on the other hand, a visuallyprominent representation of the risk game device.

So that the course of the game can be watched from numerous viewingangles, in accordance with a modification of the invention, each displayelement of the risk-display column is subdivided into at least twodisplay segments that represent the same win value and are spatiallyoffset from one another. The display elements of the risk-display columnare advisably circular or polygonal. With a corresponding configurationof the display segments of the individual display elements, this permitsall-around viewing of the risk-display column, allowing a relativelylarge number of spectators to follow the action along with the player.

In a further, attractive embodiment of the entertainment machine, thelowermost display element of the risk-display column represents a totalloss, and the display elements above it represent wins in ascendingorder.

Thus, the representation of the display elements familiar to the playerfrom the known entertainment machines having a symbol game device andrisk game device is retained, leading to quick acceptance of theentertainment machine.

To highlight the attained win, a further modification of the solution ofthe invention provides a display field at the upper end of therisk-display column, in which the attained win of the respective levelcan be additionally represented inside the risk-display column. Thisdisplay field is preferably subdivided into at least two displaysegments representing the same win value and disposed offset from oneanother. This permits the attained win to be viewed from numerousvantage points.

For the purpose of broadening the variation spectrum of win options,according to a further embodiment of the invention, the display elementsof the risk-display column are configured to display different values.Consequently, the proprietor of the entertainment machine can adapt therisk game device to the changing requirements of different locations ofoperation simply by reconfiguring the represented values of the displayelements of the risk-display column. Thus, the type of win displayed onthe display elements (monetary wins, special game wins, in which a winkey is used for increased chances of winning--for example every attainedwin is doubled, free game wins, point wins and the like) and themagnitude of the win can be changed quickly; a partial transfer ofwinnings can also be provided.

The game is usefully initiated by the actuation of a manual start leverif a sufficient monetary amount is represented in a credit display. Asan alternative, the game can also be initiated with computer controlthrough the actuation of a key.

To give the player a relatively large amount of leeway in choosing hismonetary amount, thus meeting the initial condition for the risk game,in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a key for step-wiseselection of the magnitude of the monetary amount in the risk-displaycolumn is associated with the credit display. The player can thereforedetermine the level of entrance into the risk-display columncorresponding to his credit. The player can thus select the monetaryamount, and thereby determine the magnitude of the attainable win.

To allow the player to influence the game action, according to amodification of the invention, a risk key is associated with therisk-display column. When this key is actuated, either the higher win isattained or the played monetary amount or win is lost. Moreover, it ispreferably provided that a payoff key is associated with therisk-display column; when this key is actuated, the risk game isterminated, and the attained win is paid out.

At least one loudspeaker is preferably disposed inside the standhousing. The loudspeaker serves in providing acoustic information andanimation, both during the risk game and the time between games. Toentice players visually, the risk-display column is advisably switchedas an animated device between games, that is, the display elements ofthe risk-display column are illuminated in a predetermined or randommanner.

In an alternative embodiment of the entertainment machine, the risk gamedevice is preferably accommodated in a wall housing. A plurality of riskgame devices is usefully disposed in the wall housing. To give specialemphasis to the attainable wins, according to a further embodiment, thedisplay elements of the risk game device are respectively subdividedinto a display region representing a win and a display region thatflashes during a risk game. Furthermore, the entertainment machine isusefully provided with a coin-deposit slot, a bill-return slot and/or auser card-insertion slot. In this way, the entertainment machine can beoperated using different methods of payment.

To further increase the entertainment value for the player, inaccordance with a modification of the invention, at least oneadditional-win game device, in which a win attained in the risk gamedevice can be played out, is associated with the risk game device. Thisoffers the player the option of increasing the win he has attained inthe risk game device, at the risk of decreasing it. The additional-wingame device is preferably configured in the manner of a roulette game,with a roulette wheel comprising display fields, on which a spinningball can be represented as a point of light. As an alternative, theadditional-win game device is preferably a symbol game device whoserotating bodies, which are provided with symbols, display a game resultbehind viewing windows after they have stopped. To further increase theappeal of the game, at least one of the rotating bodies of the symbolgame device and/or a separate rotating body is provided with at leastone conduit, which extends outwardly from its axis of rotation and canbe seen into, for accepting coins that can be paid out via a payoutdevice upon the occurrence of a certain event in the risk game deviceand/or the additional-win game device. The player can thereforeimmediately recognize the amount of coins he actually receives in theevent of a win and, moreover, the player can estimate the total valuethe coins represent based on his recognition of the fullness of therotating body with coins.

In a further alternative embodiment of the entertainment machine, atleast one jackpot game arrangement is associated with the risk gamedevice for attaining an additional win. The jackpot game arrangementcomprises a light strip encompassing different win-display elements.When a certain event occurs in the risk game device and/or in theadditional-win game device, a specific win-display element of the lightstrip provided with a symbol relating to the attained win isilluminated. When a certain number of win-display elements of the lightstrip is illuminated, the additional win is attained. The light strip ofthe jackpot game arrangement can, however, also comprise neutral displayelements that can be illuminated in order upon the occurrence of acertain event in the risk game device and/or the additional-win gamedevice, and effect the additional win when the light strip is completelyilluminated.

Of course, the features described above and below can be used not onlyin the disclosed combination, but also in other combinations or bythemselves, within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The concept underlying the invention is described in detail in thefollowing description by way of two embodiments that are illustrated inthe drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a frontal view in perspective of an entertainment machine ofthe invention, and

FIG. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the entertainment machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The entertainment machine, being provided with a computer-controlledcontrol unit for the entire course of the game, has a risk game device1, which increases a stake with the risk of loss, and is accommodated ina circular risk-display column 3 supported on a parallelepiped standhousing 2. The computer determines the entire course of the game,including the announcement and the payout of a win. The control andcalculating functions are performed corresponding to the programs of thecomputer, which can be adapted to all functions. The risk-display column3 comprises a plurality of display elements 5 arranged one on top of theother to form a display scale 4 that can be illuminated. The lowermostdisplay element 5 represents a total loss (character "0"), while thedisplay elements above it represent monetary wins in ascending order.Each display element 5 is subdivided over its circumference into threeidentical display segments 6, which represent the same win values. Atthe upper end of the risk-display column 3 is a circular display field7, which is likewise subdivided at its circumference into threeidentical display segments 6. The win of the respective level that hasbeen attained in the risk game device 1 is additionally represented inthe display field 7 or associated display segments 6 inside therisk-display column 3. A manual start lever 16 for starting the game isattached laterally to the risk-display column 3.

A risk key 8 and a payoff key 9, which are associated with the risk gamedevice 1, are disposed on the top side of the stand housing 2. Acoin-deposit slot 10 of a coin-processing device, a coin-return key 11,a credit display 12 for the status of the coin credit and a key 13 forstep-wise selection of the magnitude of the stake in the risk-displaycolumn 3 are disposed in the upper region of the front side of the standhousing 2. A coin-payout dish 14 and a loudspeaker 15 are provided inthe lower region of the stand housing 2.

The game proceeds in the entertainment machine as follows. After therequired coins have been deposited into the coin-deposit slot 10, thecorresponding monetary amount is represented by the credit display 12.Through corresponding actuation of the key 13, the magnitude of themonetary amount is then selected, with the display elements 6 thatrepresent increasing monetary wins illuminating upwardly in stepscorresponding to the frequency of key 13 actuation. The display element5 marking the selected monetary amount remains illuminated; for example,this may be the display element 5 representing DM 1.60. After the manualstart lever 16 is actuated, this amount is risked. The amountadditionally represented in the display field 7 can be risked in thatthe next-higher display element 5 representing DM 3.20 flashes, withrespect to the illuminated display element 5 representing the monetaryamount of DM 1.60, alternatingly with the display element 5 disposed atthe lower end of the display scale 4 and representing a total loss,having the character "0." When the risk key 8 is actuated, or after aspecific period of time has elapsed, either the next-higher win (DM3.20) is attained, in which case the display element 5 representing DM3.20 remains illuminated and this amount is simultaneously representedin the display field 7, or the monetary amount is lost. In the event ofa win, which then represents the stake, this process can be continueduntil the highest win is attained. A win or partial win attained in thismanner can be collected at any time through appropriate actuation of thepayoff key 9, with the corresponding amount being added in the creditdisplay 12. The amount represented the credit display 12 can bedeposited into in the coin-payout dish 14 through actuation of thecoin-return key 11. During the risk game, acoustic information, forexample about the game status, or background music can be provided byway of the loudspeaker 15.

A possible alternative is to provide a fixed monetary amount, forexample DM 1, with the wins that are represented on the display scale 4being fixed and increasing, for example, above the monetary amount levelof DM 1 in the sequence of DM 2, DM 4, DM 8, etc. It is further possibleto make the monetary amount variable, for example in a range of DM 0.10to DM 2, appropriately changing the win representation by the displayelements 5 of the display scale 4 corresponding to the selected amount.The risk game is always entered at the lowest level of the display scale4. It is also possible, however, to establish the entrance throughplaying out with computer control.

The entertainment machine is further equipped with an automatic riskdevice that can be switched on and off with the risk key 8. When theautomatic device is switched on, a display field 17 associated with therisk key 8 is illuminated, and amounts are automatically risked untileither a certain monetary amount is attained or the loss of the stake isindicated by the illumination of the display element 5 representing atotal loss. If the credit is less than a stake, the automatic riskdevice is switched off.

In the embodiment of the entertainment machine illustrated in FIG. 2,two risk game devices 1 are integrated into a wall housing 18 providedwith, in addition to the coin-deposit slot 10, a bill-insertion slot 19and a user card-insertion slot 20, which are associated with amoney-processing device. The display elements 5 of the risk game devices1 are respectively subdivided into a display region 21 representing awin and a display region 22 that flashes during a risk game.

I claim:
 1. A money-operated entertainment machine having a game devicecomprising a plurality of display elements displaying individualmagnitudes of monetary amounts corresponding directly to a deposit ofmoney, or a portion or multiple thereof, said magnitudes of monetaryamounts representing individual wins, which can be illuminated, andhaving a computer-controlled control unit for controlling the course ofthe game, wherein the game device is a risk game device that enables aplayer to directly increase a monetary amount determined by the depositof money which directly selects a magnitude of monetary amount, or aportion or multiple thereof, when a risk of loss exists.
 2. Theentertainment machine according to claim 1, wherein the risk game deviceincludes a risk-display column supported on a stand housing, saidrisk-display column having a display scale which comprises a pluralityof display elements arranged one on top of the other.
 3. Theentertainment machine according to claim 2, wherein each display elementof the risk-display column is subdivided into at least two displaysegments that represent the same win value and are spatially offset fromone another.
 4. The entertainment machine according to claim 2, whereinthe risk-display column is circular or polygonal.
 5. The entertainmentmachine according to claim 2, wherein the lowermost display element ofthe risk-display column represents a total loss, and the displayelements above it represent wins in ascending order.
 6. Theentertainment machine according to claim 2, further comprising a displayfield at the upper end of the risk-display column, in which field theattained win of the respective level can be additionally representedinside the risk-display column.
 7. The entertainment machine accordingto claim 6, wherein the display field is subdivided into at least twodisplay segments representing the same win value and offset from oneanother.
 8. The entertainment machine according to claim 2, wherein thedisplay elements of the risk-display column are configured as displayscapable of representing different values.
 9. The entertainment machineaccording to claim 2, further comprising a key for step-wise selectionof the magnitude of the monetary amount in the risk-display column, themonetary amount corresponding with the credit display.
 10. Theentertainment machine according to claim 2, further comprising a riskkey which is associated with the risk-display column, and wherein eithera higher win is attained, or the deposited monetary amount or the win islost when this key is actuated.
 11. The entertainment machine accordingto claim 2, further comprising a payoff key which is associated with therisk-display column, and wherein the risk game is terminated and anattained win is paid out when this key is actuated.
 12. Theentertainment machine according to claim 2, further comprising at leastone loudspeaker, said at least one loudspeaker being disposed inside thestand housing.
 13. The entertainment machine according to claim 2,wherein the risk-display column is switched as an animated device duringthe time between games.
 14. The entertainment machine according to claim2, wherein the display elements of the risk game device are respectivelysubdivided into a display region representing a win.
 15. Theentertainment machine according to claim 1, further comprising a manualstart lever and wherein the game is initiated by the actuation of themanual start lever when a sufficient monetary amount is represented in acredit display.
 16. The entertainment machine according to claim 1,wherein the risk game device is disposed in a wall housing.
 17. Theentertainment machine according to claim 16, further comprising aplurality of risk game devices disposed in the wall housing.
 18. Theentertainment machine according to claim 1, further comprising acoin-deposit slot, a bill-insertion slot and/or a user card-insertionslot.
 19. A money-operated entertainment machine comprising:a risk gamedevice including a plurality of display elements displaying individualmagnitudes of monetary amounts corresponding directly to a deposit ofmoney, or a portion or multiple thereof, said magnitudes of monetaryamounts represent individual wins and can be illuminated; acomputer-controlled control unit for controlling the course of the game;means for depositing a monetary amount which actuates the risk game; andmeans for selecting the magnitude of the monetary amount, said selectedmonetary amount being the deposited monetary amount, a portion or amultiple thereof, wherein the risk game device is directly actuated bythe deposit of money and a player can increase the monetary amount whena risk of loss exists.